Submarine signaling and safety device.



0. BROWN. SUBMARINE SIGNALING AND SAFETY DEVICE. APPLICATION FILED APB.4,1910.

1,028,989, Patented June 11,1912.

2 SHEETSSHEET 1.

0. BROWN. SUBMARINE SIGNALING AND SAFETY mzvxcn.

APPLICATION FILED APB-.4, 1910. 1,028,989, Patented June 11, 1912.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

j1 .g/ 510 0 ll WNW m F ma 1 h C/za [e5 CHARLES BROWN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

SUBMARIN E SIGNALING AND SAFETY DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 11, 1912.

Application filed April 4, 1910. Serial No. 553,168.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, CHARLES BROWN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Submarine Si nalin and Safety Devices; and I do here y dec are that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings, and to the numbers of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relatesto that class of signaling and safety devices for submarines set forth in my prior application for patent for marine safety and signaling devices, filed August 19th, 1909, Serial No. 513,590, and in which a buoy is releasably carried upon the deck of a submarine or other vessel and adapted to be released upon submergence of the vessel, and when released, capable of affording a visible signal to indicate the location of the submerged vessel.

In the application of my invention to sub: marine use it sometimes may occur that, having released the-buoy to the surface, and having given (and perhaps' received) the necessary signals, it may be desirable to withdraw the buoy from the surface to conceal the location of the vessel from the enemy, and also it is important to provide in connection with a device of the class described means for signaling at a distance, whether by wireless telegraphy or otherwise to indicate not only the position of the vessel, but in case of accident, to notify others of the conditions causing the accident and to advise as to themeans of affording relief for the crew and vessel It is, of course, an object of this invention to afi'ordin small and compact space, as much and as many safety appliances and devices as'may be possible and to so construct the buoy as to permit the same to be readily operated. 7

It is also an object of the invention to afford a construction permitting .the inlet of water to one-of the chambers in the buoy to facilitate withdrawal thereof from the surface and also to afford means for discharging the water therefrom after submergenee to permit the buofy to float as high as possible when at the sur ace.

The invention embraces many novel features and consists in the matters hereinafter pointed out and defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a submarine vessel provided with a buoy embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken through a part of the buoy and the deck and recess therein for the same. Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the winch and the connections therefor, whereby the buoy and the various devices carried therein are operated.v Fig. 4 is a section on line 44 of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken through the upper chamber and a part of the lower chamber of the buoy. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of the pump.

As shown in the drawings: 1, indicates a submarine; 2, the coning tower therefor, and 3, the recess or receptacle in the deck to receive the buoy. Said receptacle or seat for the buoy, as'shown, is constructed of sheet steel and is water tight and extends downwardly into the deck, projecting somewhat into the hull of the vessel, as shown in Fig. 2, and as shown,,is restricted in size toward the bottom of the buoy and is provided therein with guides 5, into which project sliding shutters 6, each provided with an outwardly turned stem 7, engaged by a lever 8, one end of which is fulcrumed on the shell or casing for the buoy recess and the other end of which projects downwardly in the hull into position to be conveniently engaged by an operator, as shown in Fig. 2. Threaded on the bottom of said buoy receptacle, and within the bullet the vessel, is a cylindric casing 9, having a central aperture through the bottom 10, thereof, for the hose pipe 11, and provided also, as shown, with a gland surrounding said aperture comprising conically tapered sections 12, of rubber or other suitable material secured within flanges 13 and 14, concentric with said aperture. Said hose extends upwardly therethrough and slidably engaged on the hose are conical packing or gland members 10 and 17, one above and one below the bottom wall of said casing, and as shown, the arms of a yoke 18, engage the one upon the upper and the other upon the lower of said conical packing members. A lever 20, is

pivotally engaged on a suitable support and engages said yoke to shift the same vertically, thereby swinging the packing member or gland 16, or 17, into position to entirely close the gland to prevent water finding ingress either.when the hose is paying out or being drawn in. Said hose, as shown, is connected at its upper end by means of a suitable coupling 23, with the protruding end 'of an axial pipe 24, which extends through the lower chamber 25, of said buoy and communicates with a pipe 26, which opens-through the upper chamber 27, of said buoy near the top thereof and is provided with a suitable gland to prevent leakage therethrough. Said hose 11, is Wound upon a suitable reel 28, conveniently positioned within the hull, said hose being permanently engaged at its inner end on said reel and opening into an axial barrel in the drum of said reel and through which is connected an exhaust hose 29, which extends upwardly through the main hose 11. Connected also at the axis of the drum of said winch through suitable insulation 30, is an electric cable 31, in which may be carried any de sired number of insulated wires. Said exhaust hose and cable extend upwardly through the main hose and into the upper chamber of the buoy and one or more of the same may be used for sending wireless telegrams.- For this purpose a mast 32, is

signal by means of the escaping air.

. erected centrally at the top of the buoy and provided with any suitable combor antenna.

for the purpose of sending or receiving. The instruments for the sending and receiving ofwireless telegrams are, of course, such as are usually employed and form no part of this invention and hence are not shown.

If preferred, an electric light 33, may be.

substituted for the wireless outfit, as shown in Fig.2. The exhaust hose 29, leads upwardly through the upper chamber 27, and is provided at its outer end with a whistle 34, or other means for affording an audible For the purpose of submerging the buoy, the lower chamber 25, is provided near its top and in the bottom with valves, both opening outwardly. As shown, said valves comprise conical, inwardly tapering seats in the wall of the chamber and complemental valve closures 36 and 37, each of which is connected with an actuating rod 38 and 39. Said actuating rods or stems are pivotally engaged in any suitable manner eccentrically on a rotatable disk 40, within said lower chamber. In the upper chamber of said buoy are oppositely facing solenoids or electrc-magnets 41 and 42, between which is pivotally engaged an armature in the form of a lever 43. Pivotally engaged on said armature is an ac tuating rod.44, one end of which is engaged to link 45, the other end of which is pivot ally engaged on said wheel or disk 40. The

actuating rod 38 is also pivotally connected with the disk. The rod 39, is connected on the opposite side of said disk from the rod :38, and the arrangement is such by means of any suitable wiring that shifting of said levered armature 43, in'one direction serves to open said valves 36 and 37, and shifting in the other direction serves to close the same. It is thus obvious that should it be desired to submerge the buoy when at the surface, energizing the proper circuit to actuate the armature to engage the electromagnet or solenoid 41, serves to open the valves to permit the lower chamber to fill, or partly fill with. water sufficiently to partly overcome the buoyancy of the buoy, while energizing the electro-magnet or solenoid 42, and deenergizing the solenoid 41, reverses said disk to positively close said valves.

An electric'mot-or 45, is contained in the upper chamber and drives by the medium of a bevel gear 46, to a corresponding bevel gear 47, secured on a rod 48, which actuates the rotary pump 49, the rotating element of which comprises a worm inclosed in a cylinder or drum 50, near the bottom of said lower chamber in the buoy. Communicating therewith,and extending inwardly and upwardly through the side of said chamber, is a pipe 51, in whieh,as shown, is a gate valve 52, which opens freely to permit the outflow of water, but resists the inflow.

The operation is as follows: When it is desired to release the buoy from the vessel, the pump 49, is started by means of the motor 45, and the lower chamber of the buoy is freed from water or sufficiently freed to afford the necessary buoyancy to insure flota tion. Havin relieved the lower chamber from water, t e valves-are closed by energizing the electro-magnet 41, and the pump having com leted its work, is stopped and the buoy re eased by withdrawing the sliding shutters6. from engagement with the hose. When this occurs, the buoy rises rapidly to the surface carrying therewith the hose 11, and the hose 29, and cable 31, contained therein. Arriving at the surface, the necessary signals are given either by the wireless outfit, by the light or by the whistle, after which the buoy, if necessary, may be withdrawn beneath the surface, for this purse the valves being opened to permit the ower chamber-filling or partly filling with water. The buoy, may, of course, be withdrawn into its original position into the deck of the vessel, if desired, in which instance it may be engaged in place by pushing the level-s8, inwardly to again engage the hose.

I therefore the bottom thereof adapted to receive said hose, upwardly and downwardly directed flanges on the bottom of said casing, conically tapered members secured within said flanges concentric with said aperture, conical members slidably engaged on said hose, and a yoke having its arms secured to the slidable members adapted to engage one or the other of said members on the rigid complemental members.

2. In a signaling buoy for submarines, a hose communicating within the vessel and extending axially through the buoy, guide plates in the lower end of said buoy, shutters adapted to slide between said guide plates to clamp said hose and retain the buoy in position, an outwardly turned stem on each shutter, and a lever engaged on each stem adapted to be manually operated to release the shutters from the hose to permit the buoy to rise.

3. A buoy for submarines having a lower water chamber and an upper closed operat-. ing chamber, valves arranged in the Walls of the lower chamber, mechanisms operated from the vessel for opening and closing the same from the vessel, and a pump in the lower water chamber acting to discharge the water from said buoy after submergence.

4. A buoy for submarines having a lower water chamber and an upper water tight operating chamber, valves arranged in the walls of the lower chamber, mechanisms in the operating chamber and operated from the vessel for opening and closing the same, an electrically operated pump in the lower water chamber acting to discharge the water from said buoy after submergence, and signaling devices carried on the buoy.

5. A submarine buoy, of the class described embracing an upper tight and a lower water chamber, electrically operated valves positioned in said lower chambers to permit the inlet of water, operating mechanism in the upper chamber embracing an electric motor, a pump driven thereby, and connections to permit the discharge of the water from the lower chamber of the buoy by means of said pump and a hose leading through said buoy to the top thereof and communicating at its lower end in a submarine.

6. A buoy of the class described embracing an upper air chamber and a lower water chamber, electrically operated valves in said lower chamber adapted to permit the inflow of water to said chamber, operating mechanism in the upper chamber embracing an electric motor, a pump driven thereby, and connections to discharge the water from the lower chamber of the buoy.

7. A submarine buoy embracing an upper water tight chamber and a lower water chamber, one or more valves for controlling the flow of water into said lower chamber, electrically operated means for actuating said valves, a hose pipe leading through said buoy to the top thereof and communicating at its lower end in the submarine, an ex haust pipe in said hose, a whistle on the outer end of the exhaust pipe, an electric cable also within said hose, mechanism operated thereby to open and close said valves, and a pump also actuated from the cable for discharging the contents of the lower chamber.

8. In a device of the class described an upper and a lower chamber. the lower adapted to be filled or partly filled with water, the upper t'o contain the operating mechanism, valves in the lower chamber, a pump in the lower chamber for discharging the contents therefrom, a hose and a cable leading through the buoy and communicating to the submarine, an electrically operated motor connected tooperate the pump, a wireless I mast supported on said buoy and conductors from said cable connecting therewith and affording means for sending and receiving messages.

9. The combination with a vessel of a receptacle thereon adapted to receive a buoy, a buoy comprising an upper chamber and a lower water chamber adapted to seat in said receptacle, valves arranged in the walls of said lower chambers for controlling the flow of water therein, means for actuating said valves, a pump adapted to discharge the water from said lower chamber, a pipe extending through said lower chamber, a hose connected on the lower end of said pipe, guide plates in the lower end of said receptacle, shutters adapted to slide between sa d guide plates to clamp said hose and t ereby retain the buoy in position, a casing t readed on the bottom of said receptacle and having a central aperture in the bottom thereof, tapered members secured above and below the bottom of said casing concentric with said aperture, members slidably *engaged on said hose and a yoke having its arms secured to the slidable members adapted to engage one or the other of said members on the rigid complemental member.

10. The combination with a submarine of a receptacle on the deck thereof, adapted to cured on the bottom of said receptacle and having a central aperture in the bottom thereof, tapered members secured above and below the bottom of said casing concentric with said aperture, a hose extending upwardly through said chamber and having its upper end coupled to said pipe, members slidably engaged on said hose and a yoke having its arms secured to the slidable members adapted to engage one or the other of said members on the rigid complemental member.

11. The combination with a vessel of a buoy support thereon, a buoy adapted to rest in said support, comprising an upper and a lower chamber, a wireless mast supported on said buoy, an axial pipe extending through said lower chamber, an electric cable within said hose, conductors from said cable connected with said wireless mast, a casing on the bottom of said buoy support having a central aperture in the bottom thereof, conically tapered members secured above and below said bottom concentric with said aperture, a hose extending upwardly through said chamber and having its upper end coupled to said axial pipe, conical members slidably engaged on said hose and a yoke having its arms secured to the slidably conical members adapted to engage one or the other of said members on the rigid complemental member.

12. The combination with a vessel, of a buoy support thereon, a buoy adapted to rest in said support embracing an upper chamber and a lower water chamber, valves for controlling the flow of water in the lower chamber, a pump adapted to discharge the water from said lower chamber, a pipe extending through said lower chamber, a pipe communicating therewith and opening through the upper chamber, a cylindric casing threaded on the bottom of said buoy support and having a central aperture in the bottom thereof, upwardly and downwardly directed flanges on the bottom of said casing. conically tapered members secured within said flanges concentric with said aperture, a hose extending upwardly through said chamber and having its upper end coupled to the lower end of the first mentioned pipe, conical members slidably engaged on said hose, and a yoke having its arms secured to the slidable conical members adapted to engage one orthe other of said members on the rigid complemental members.

13. A device of the class described embracing an upper air tight chamber and a lower water chamber, valves for controlling the flow of water in the lower chamber, electrically, operated means for actuating said valves, an electrically operated pump adapted to discharge the water from said lower chamber, an axial pipe extending through said lower chamber, a pipe communicating therewith and opening through the upper air tight chamber, an exhaust pipe within said hose, means on the outer end of said exhaust pipe adapted to afford an audible signal, an electric cable within said hose, mechanism operated thereby to open and close said valves and a motor also actuated from said cable to operate the pump.

14. A device of the class described embracing an upper chamber and a lower chamber, a pipe extending through said lower chamber, a hose coupled to said pipe, guide plates in the lower end of said buoy, and shutters adapted to clamp said hose and thereby retain the buoy in position.

15. The combination with a vessel, of a buoy support thereon, a buoy adapted to rest in said support embracing an upper chamber and a lower chamber, slidable shutters adapted to retain the buoy in position, a casing on the bottom of said buoy support and having an aperture therein, members secured above and below the bottom of said casing concentric with said aperture, slidable members and means adapted to engage one or the other of said slidable members on the complemental member.

16. The combination with a vessel, of a buoy support thereon, a buoy adapted to seat in said support comprising an upper chamber and a lower chamber, a pipe extending through said lower chamber, a hose connected with said pipe, shutters adapted to clamp said hose and thereby .retain the buoy in position, a casing on the bottom of said buoy support and having an aperture in the bottom thereof, members secured above and below the bottom of said casing concentric with said aperture, members slidably engaged on said hose and means secured to the slidable members adapted to engage one or the other of said members on the rigid complemental member.

17. The combination with a vessel of a buoy support thereon, a buoy adapted to rest in said support embracing an upper chamber and a lower chamber, valves arranged in the walls of one ofsaid chambers for controlling the flow of water therein, means for actuating said valves, a pump adapted to discharge the water from said chamber, a pipe extending through said chamber, a hose connected with said pipe, means adapted to retain the buoy in position, a casing on said buoy support and having an aperture in the bottom thereof, members secured on said casing concentric with said aperture, members slidably engaged on said hose and means secured to' the slidable members adapted to engage one or the other of said members on the rigid complemental member.

18. A signaling buoy embracing an upper chamber and a lower water chamber, valves arranged in the wall of said lower chamber for controlling the flow of water therein, means for actuating said valves, a pump adapted to discharge the water from said water chau'iber, a pipe extending through said water chamber, a hose connected with said pipe, guide plates and shutters adapted to slide between said guide lates to clamp said hose and thereby retain the buoy in position.

19. The combination with a vessel of a buoy support thereon, a buoy adapted to rest in said support, a hose communicating within the vessel and extending through the buoy, a casing secured to said support and having an aperture therein adapted to receive said hose, conically tapered members secured to said casing concentric with said aperture, conical members slidably engaged on said hose, and av yoke adapted to engage one or the other of said slidable members on the rigid complemental members.

20. A buoy for submarines having a Water chamber and an operating chamber, valves arranged in the wall of the water chamber, mechanisms operated from the vessel for opening and closing the same and an electrically operated pump in the water chamher acting to discharge the water from said buoy after submergence.

21. A buoy for submarines having a water chamber and an operating chamber, valves arranged in the Wall of the water chamber, mechanisms operated from the vessel for opening and closing the same. an electrically operated pump in the water chamber adapted to discharge the water from said buoy and devices carried on the buoy adapted to aflord an audible and a visible signal.

22. A buoy for submarines having a water chamber and a water tight operating chamber, valves arranged in the wall of the water chamber, mechanisms in the operating chamber and t perated from the vessel for opening and closing the same, an electrically operated pump in the water chamber acting to discharge the water from said buoy after subniergence andsignaling devices carried on the buoy.

23. The combination of a vessel of a buoy support thereon, a buoy adapted to rest in said support, a hose communicating within the vessel and extending through the buoy, a casing secured on said support and having an aperture therein adapted to receive said hose, members secured within said flanges concentric with said aperture. members slidably engaged on said hose, and means adapted to engage one or the other of said slidable members on the rigid complemental members.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES BROWN.

WVitnesses R. E. HANNAH, A. T. CONCANNON.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Ratents, Washington, D. C. 

